1. New England (9-0, Last week’s ranking: 1) – We can officially start talking about an undefeated season. While the Patriots showed some poor tackling in the first half, the defense really stepped up in the final 30 minutes, forcing Peyton Manning into uncharacteristic mistakes.

2. Indianapolis (7-1, Last week’s ranking: 2) – Here’s the problem if for the Colts: You  had the game – including two bogus pass interference calls – go your way for the first three-plus quarters. You picked off the unflappable Tom Brady twice and watched New England commit 10 penalties for 146 yards – yet you still lost.  

3. Dallas (7-1, Last week’s ranking: 3) – This was the most complete game the Cowboys’ offensive line played all year. Not only did Tony Romo have time in the pocket, but Julius Jones and Marion Barber were running behind some big holes against the Eagles.

4. Green Bay (7-1, Last week’s ranking: 4) – The second best set of receivers reside in Green Bay. I don’t have to tell you who No. 1 is, do I? With that in mind, what kind of offensive show will we see when the Packers travel to Dallas in less than four weeks for NFC supremacy?

5. Pittsburgh (6-2, Last week’s ranking: 5) – The Steelers are being overlooked simply because of the conference they're in. Also, losses to Arizona and Denver don’t exactly stand up when mentioning them in the same breath as the Patriots and Colts. Having said that, the Pats should be very wary of Steelers LB James Harrison, who was an absolute beast against the dismal Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.

6. N.Y. Giants (6-2, Last week’s ranking: 6) – The Giants have had almost two months to stew over their season-opening loss to the Cowboys. We’ll see how much they’ve improved this Sunday when the two teams meet at Giants Stadium.

7. Tennessee (6-2, Last week’s ranking: 9) – DT Albert Haynesworth is finally living up to the lofty potential he had when the former Tennessee Volunteer came out of college. Haynesworth is a key reason the Titans boast one of the best defensive fronts in the league.

8. Detroit (6-2, Last week’s ranking: 10) – Jon Kitna really did a good job of spreading the ball against the Broncos, hitting six different receiver sduring an easy win.

9. San Diego (4-4, Last week’s ranking: 8) – The Chargers had a full week to prepare for the only real weapon the Vikings had on offense. Yet Adrian Peterson managed to break the single-game rushing record with 296 yards. How, exactly, did that happen?

10. Cleveland (5-3, Last week’s ranking: 14) – Lost in all the hoopla surrounding Derek Anderson and the rest of the skilled players has been the play of the offensive line. This unit has been outstanding for most of the season.

11. Jacksonville (5-3, Last week’s ranking: 7) – I know the Jaguars are hurting on defense, but Drew Brees looked too comfortable in picking apart that usually strong secondary.

12. Washington (5-3, Last week’s ranking: 17) – The Redskins need to continue to use a ball control offense if they hope to make the playoffs this season.

13. Tampa Bay (5-4, Last week’s ranking: 16) – Aside from the 95 yards yielded to Larry Fitzgerald, the Bucs did a nice job limiting Arizona’s passing attack and holding the Cards without a first down on six possessions.

14. New Orleans (4-4, Last week’s ranking: 19) – I can’t believe I’m saying this, but New Orleans now looks like the favorite to win the NFC South.

15. Seattle (4-4, Last week’s ranking: 11) – How fortunate are the Seahawks that they play in such a lousy division. It’s hard to believe now that the NFC West was considered up-and-coming division at the beginning of the year.

16. Buffalo (4-4, Last week’s ranking: 25) – What would coach Dick Jauron be saying to his team if he pulled J.P. Losman at this point for Trent Edwards? I wouldn’t suggest that to Lee Evans.

17. Kansas City (4-4, Last week’s ranking: 13) – Can Priest Holmes turn back the clock and lead the Chiefs offensively again? With Larry Johnson injured, we’ll certainly find that question out fairly soon.

18. Baltimore (4-4, Last week’s ranking: 12) – This is a team that many penciled in to upset the Patriots in the coming weeks. I’ll be surprised if the game is close by the end of the first quarter.

19. Carolina (4-4, Last week’s ranking: 15) – David Carr can officially be labeled a bust by two NFL franchises.

20. Minnesota (3-5, Last week’s ranking: 26) – I wonder which of the six teams that passed on Adrian Peterson in the draft are regretting that decision more.

21. Houston (4-5, Last week’s ranking: 23) – Even with a victory over the Oakland Raiders, the Texans are too banged up to make a run at the playoffs.

22. Arizona (3-5, Last week’s ranking: 20) – Kurt Warner was embarrassed by his team’s play against the Bucs. I’m sure the Cardinal fans share his views.

23. Philadelphia (3-5, Last week’s ranking: 21) – Donovan McNabb’s days could be numbered if the Eagles flame out this season.

24. Denver (3-5, Last week’s ranking: 18) – The Lions handed Denver its worst loss since the Broncos got blown out 42-0 to New Orleans in 1988. And this is a team that was supposed to be on the rise.

25. Chicago (3-5, Last week’s ranking: 24) – Maybe a trip to Oakland can give the Bears a bit of a lift. Chicago better hope that’s the case because its running out of chances.

26. Cincinnati (2-6, Last week’s ranking: 24) – The only good news out of another forgettable loss for the Bengals is that Chad Johnson will recover after hurting his neck against Buffalo.  

27. Oakland (2-6, Last week’s ranking: 27) – Here’s a message to coach Lane Kiffin: it’s time to start JaMarcus Russell.

28. Atlanta (2-6, Last week’s ranking: 29) – It’s hard to get excited about a win when it comes at the expense of the lowly San Francisco 49ers.

29. San Francisco (2-6, Last week’s ranking: 28) – Adding to an already lost year is the painful thought of the New England Patriots possessing San Francisco’s first-round pick for 2008.

30. N.Y. Jets (1-8, Last week’s ranking: 30) – Eric Mangini might want to find away to get Leon Washington more touches.

31. St. Louis (0-8, Last week’s ranking: 32) – With the bye week history, the best part of St. Louis’s season is now complete.

32. Miami (0-8, Last week’s ranking: 32) – See St. Louis.